Engineering Team Lead Jobs in California
Engineering Team Lead jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors, with demand at every level from newly promoted individual contributors through senior principal leads overseeing large multi-team organizations. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where established employers such as Apple, Lockheed Martin, and Qualcomm maintain substantial engineering operations. Hardware, software platform, and systems engineering are the sub-disciplines generating the most consistent lead-level openings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Engineering Team Lead JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 12+ Engineering Team Lead jobs
SpaceXAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company's mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
You will lead a team of AI Tutors (full-time employees and contractors) responsible for delivering high-quality training data and evaluations that power SpaceXAI's models. You will set the standard for data quality on your projects, review work in the domain, ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data produced, and build operational excellence at the team level. This is a hands-on leadership role — you will both execute labeling/review work and continuously improve processes as we scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own end-to-end quality and delivery for assigned Human Data projects — personally reviewing work in the domain, ensuring accuracy, consistency, guideline adherence, and high-quality data production at scale.
- Lead, coach, and performance-manage a team of AI Tutors, including conducting regular performance reviews, maintaining records, creating action plans, managing shadow sessions, and driving continuous improvement.
- Oversee and actively participate in labeling and reviewing tasks to maintain high standards and model best practices.
- Ensure strict guideline adherence, taxonomy management, and quality assurance processes.
- Drive efficiency by identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks, implementing process improvements, and tracking performance via KPI dashboards (e.g., quality metrics, throughput, send-back rates).
- Build, update, and deliver training materials, practice tasks, and certification benchmark tasks; manage certifications and workforce adjustments.
- Collaborate closely with Human Data Managers, fellow Team Leads, and Engineering to translate model needs into clear labeling strategies and requirements.
- Coach and develop talent while maintaining strong accountability and a high-performance culture; support disciplinary actions as needed.
- Document outcomes, suggest process iterations, and report project status, risks, and results.
- Act as the voice of your tutors while fostering strong collaboration across the broader Human Data organization.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Civil, Environmental, or a closely related engineering field.
- 2+ Professional experience in engineering practice, such as design, analysis, testing, R&D, or systems integration OR a Master's degree (or higher) in an engineering or engineering related field.
- Basic understanding of AI and machine learning concepts and how high-quality training data impacts model performance.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in an engineering discipline, or professional licensure (PE, or FE/EIT).
- Demonstrated experience with data quality metrics, annotation processes, and guideline-driven workflows (as evidenced by prior roles or projects).
- Breadth across multiple engineering disciplines, with the ability to credibly review work outside your primary specialty.
- Experience with performance management, coaching, training program development, and certification frameworks.
- 1+ years of hands-on experience in data labeling, annotation, AI training/evaluation, content quality, or similar operational domains.
- Professional experience building scalable, high-performance technology applications.
- Previous experience leading small teams in data labeling, annotation, or related operations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong track record of reviewing domain work, ensuring data quality, and improving operational processes.
- Proficiency in data analysis and associated tools (SQL a plus); ability to use metrics and KPIs to drive continuous improvement.
- Experience managing mixed employment types (full-time employees and contractors) or distributed teams.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build rapport quickly and align stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, proactive problem-solving mindset, and focus on continuous improvement.
- Strategic thinking combined with strong hands-on execution.
- Specialty or strong domain expertise in at least one of the following areas: Finance, STEM, Coding/Software Engineering, or other technical fields.
- Passion for building high-performing teams and scaling high-quality Human Data operations.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Candidates must be based in one of the following countries where SpaceXAI has a physical office; remote work is also possible
- United States
- Dubai
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Japan
- India
- Indonesia
- South Korea
- Philippines
- Singapore
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at SpaceXAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks. Benefits vary based on employment type, location and jurisdiction. Benefits for eligible U.S. based positions include health insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick leave. Specific details and role specific information will be provided to you during the interview process.
SpaceXAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
SpaceXAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company's mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
You will lead a team of AI Tutors (full-time employees and contractors) responsible for delivering high-quality training data and evaluations that power SpaceXAI's models. You will set the standard for data quality on your projects, review work in the domain, ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data produced, and build operational excellence at the team level. This is a hands-on leadership role — you will both execute labeling/review work and continuously improve processes as we scale.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Own end-to-end quality and delivery for assigned Human Data projects — personally reviewing work in the domain, ensuring accuracy, consistency, guideline adherence, and high-quality data production at scale.
- Lead, coach, and performance-manage a team of AI Tutors, including conducting regular performance reviews, maintaining records, creating action plans, managing shadow sessions, and driving continuous improvement.
- Oversee and actively participate in labeling and reviewing tasks to maintain high standards and model best practices.
- Ensure strict guideline adherence, taxonomy management, and quality assurance processes.
- Drive efficiency by identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks, implementing process improvements, and tracking performance via KPI dashboards (e.g., quality metrics, throughput, send-back rates).
- Build, update, and deliver training materials, practice tasks, and certification benchmark tasks; manage certifications and workforce adjustments.
- Collaborate closely with Human Data Managers, fellow Team Leads, and Engineering to translate model needs into clear labeling strategies and requirements.
- Coach and develop talent while maintaining strong accountability and a high-performance culture; support disciplinary actions as needed.
- Document outcomes, suggest process iterations, and report project status, risks, and results.
- Act as the voice of your tutors while fostering strong collaboration across the broader Human Data organization.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Civil, Environmental, or a closely related engineering field.
- 2+ Professional experience in engineering practice, such as design, analysis, testing, R&D, or systems integration OR a Master's degree (or higher) in an engineering or engineering related field.
- Basic understanding of AI and machine learning concepts and how high-quality training data impacts model performance.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in an engineering discipline, or professional licensure (PE, or FE/EIT).
- Demonstrated experience with data quality metrics, annotation processes, and guideline-driven workflows (as evidenced by prior roles or projects).
- Breadth across multiple engineering disciplines, with the ability to credibly review work outside your primary specialty.
- Experience with performance management, coaching, training program development, and certification frameworks.
- 1+ years of hands-on experience in data labeling, annotation, AI training/evaluation, content quality, or similar operational domains.
- Professional experience building scalable, high-performance technology applications.
- Previous experience leading small teams in data labeling, annotation, or related operations.
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong track record of reviewing domain work, ensuring data quality, and improving operational processes.
- Proficiency in data analysis and associated tools (SQL a plus); ability to use metrics and KPIs to drive continuous improvement.
- Experience managing mixed employment types (full-time employees and contractors) or distributed teams.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build rapport quickly and align stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, proactive problem-solving mindset, and focus on continuous improvement.
- Strategic thinking combined with strong hands-on execution.
- Specialty or strong domain expertise in at least one of the following areas: Finance, STEM, Coding/Software Engineering, or other technical fields.
- Passion for building high-performing teams and scaling high-quality Human Data operations.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Candidates must be based in one of the following countries where SpaceXAI has a physical office; remote work is also possible
- United States
- Dubai
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Japan
- India
- Indonesia
- South Korea
- Philippines
- Singapore
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at SpaceXAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks. Benefits vary based on employment type, location and jurisdiction. Benefits for eligible U.S. based positions include health insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick leave. Specific details and role specific information will be provided to you during the interview process.
SpaceXAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
See All 12 Engineering Team Lead Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Team Lead JobsEngineering Team Lead Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Team Lead Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering team lead jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, computer, or software engineering
- Five or more years of engineering experience with at least two leading a team
- Demonstrated experience managing engineers through full product development cycles
- Proficiency with Agile or Scrum methodologies in a California product environment
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with product management and operations
- Experience with California regulatory or safety standards relevant to the engineering domain
Engineering Team Lead Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering team lead in California?
Most engineering team leads in California move into the role after several years as individual contributors in a technical discipline such as software, hardware, or systems engineering. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for an engineering team lead title, though roles touching public safety infrastructure may require a Professional Engineer license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. A relevant engineering degree combined with a strong technical track and mentorship experience is the typical hiring path.
How much do engineering team leads make in California?
Engineering team leads in California earn a median of about $210,280 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $137,900 for the lowest 10% to over $296,130 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire engineering team leads in California?
Employers hiring engineering team leads in California right now include Rosendin Electric, HDR, and Tesla, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, aerospace primes, and defense contractors means lead-level engineering roles open continuously across both product and program-driven organizations.
Which California cities have the most engineering team lead jobs?
San Jose, Palo Alto, and Walnut Creek have the most engineering team lead openings in California. The Bay Area leads due to its density of technology and semiconductor headquarters, while Los Angeles and San Diego draw consistent lead-level demand from aerospace, defense, and biotech employers anchored in those metros.
Are there remote engineering team lead jobs in California?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical roles because team leads frequently work alongside engineers on-site for design reviews, lab work, or hardware builds. About 0% of engineering team lead openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with the remote share highest in software platform and cloud infrastructure disciplines where lab presence is not required.
How can I get hired as a engineering team lead in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving into a team lead role from a senior individual contributor position at a California employer that promotes from within, such as large technology companies in the Bay Area or aerospace firms in Southern California. Targeting roles labeled tech lead, staff engineer, or engineering project lead builds the cross-functional experience hiring managers expect. Contributing to open-source projects, completing a Professional Engineer licensure track, or finishing a graduate engineering program at a California university can also strengthen a candidacy for a first lead-level role.
Where can I find and apply to engineering team lead jobs in California?
You can find and apply to engineering team lead jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 12 Engineering Team Lead Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Team Lead Jobs